A term with no consistent or agreed upon meaning. Most occupational groups in the health field aspire to being considered professions. There are a number of usual components: formal education and examination are required for membership in the profession; certification or licensure is required for membership, reflecting community sanction or approval; there exist regional or national professional associations; there is a code of ethics governing the activities of individuals in the profession; there is a body of systematic scientific knowledge and technical skill required; and the members function with a degree of autonomy and authority, under the assumption that they alone have the expertise to make decisions in their area of competence. Medicine is often considered the occupation which most closely approaches the prototype of a profession.
Referring to a profession.
A worker whose occupation required them to complete a special educational or training program.